Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today in collaboration with Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) held a day long free health camp for Safai Karamcharis and their family members at Makhdoom Sahib (RA).

President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan while inaugurating the camp that was organised to mark the ‘Doctors Day’ said that health of Safai Karamcharis is a cause of concern.

“The nature of their work makes them susceptible to serious health risks. In order to create clean environment, they bear all the germ infested waste,” he said.

The DAK, President said that the Karamcharis are exposed to noxious gases coming out from garbage that are responsible for serious ailments in them.

“They work without safety implements which makes them vulnerable to diseases and infections. Despite the importance of these sanitary workers in ensuring clean environment, they live in extreme dire conditions,” he added.

“It is they who clean all the filth and ironically no medical facilities are provided to them,” Dr. Hassan added.

More than 800 workers were examined by a team of specialist doctors who raised awareness among workers regarding safer work procedures and use of personal protection devices.

Majority of the workers had respiratory complaints and lung function studies revealed abnormal respiratory functions in them, the statement issued by the DAK said.

“Most of the workers were unvaccinated against hepatitis and tetanus to which they are vulnerable,” it added.

“Diabetics and hypertensives were uncontrolled as they were not taking regular drugs. Neck and low back pain were common symptoms in these workers,” the statement said.

“It was painful to see them in depression because of prejudice against them in society.The workers were screened for Hepatitis B, C and HIV besides blood sugar, thyroid function tests, lipid profile, ECG and lung function tests were done on them,” the statement added.

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